SEATTLE, January 23, 2023  The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit committed to advancing heart and brain health for all, announces Whitney Meidl as its new executive director, Puget Sound, development and community health. Meidl will lead local priorities for the Association as it works to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease, the leading killer of Americans, by focusing on community impact work, advocacy and research funding. 

Meidl will work with regional staff and Board of Directors to raise $6,000,000 to fund the Association’s work in the community. Current priorities include supporting patients managing high blood pressure, improving access to nutritious foods that contribute to overall health and wellbeing and eliminating the use of tobacco and nicotine products. The American Heart Association also hosts the annual Puget Sound Heart and Stroke Walk, Go Red for Women and Hard Hats with Heart events. 

“Heart disease and stroke touch so many lives, one in three of us is impacted,” said Meidl. “During my tenure at the American Heart Association I have had the opportunity to meet some incredible survivors and their families. It is their stories and the need to ensure everyone has access to quality care and the tools and resources they need to be healthy, is what drive me.” 

Meidl joined the American Heart Association staff in 2018 and made a quick impact by leading local campaigns to year-over-year fundraising and volunteer recruitment success. Her most recent role at the Association was vice president of development leading the Go Red for Women movement and the Hard Hats with Heart initiative. 

Meidl’s entire career has been dedicated to the non-profit sector including supporting the Muscular Dystrophy Association in Los Angeles and Seattle prior to joining the Association. 

“Whitney has a proven track record of success and we are thrilled to have her as the next executive director of the American Heart Association in the Puget Sound,“ said Troy Stedman, board chair, American Heart Association, Puget Sound. “She takes a collaborative approach to leadership and is strategic thinker who identifies ways to meet the urgent needs of our community. We can’t wait to see where Whitney leads us next.” 

For more information about the work of the American Heart Association in the Puget Sound, visit heart.org/Washington and view our 2021-2022 Community Impact Highlights report

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About the American Heart Association 

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with the Puget Sound office on heart.org/PugetSound, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram

For Media Inquiries: 

Valerie Koch: valerie.koch@heart.org

Francesca Minas: francesca.minas@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)